HRUC is delighted to announced Jo Swindells as Harrow College's new Principal.
Jo emerged as the outstanding candidate from a pool of applicants, including applicants from a number of colleges within and beyond the capital. Jo, who brings exceptional experience, energy, and appreciation of our ambitious College group, succeeds Clive Hodge, who was appointed Principal of Uxbridge College in January 2026.
Contributing to sector-wide improvement
Jo currently serves as Executive Director for Development and Delivery at the Education and Training Foundation, where her remit includes Department for Education (DfE) contracts, business development, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to this, Jo worked at Stanmore College where she held the role of Vice Principal for Curriculum and Quality. Her extensive career spans a wide range of roles across Further Education and Adult and Community Learning, including teacher training, safeguarding leadership as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, and serving as an Ofsted nominee. Jo has contributed to sector-wide improvement through her work with Tribal Group and CfBT Education Trust, specialising in organisational development and quality enhancement.
Over 30 years of experience
Alongside her executive roles, she brings extensive non-executive experience as a governor, trustee, and chair, and currently serves as an inspector for Ofsted in Further Education and Skills.
Overall, Jo will be able to draw on over 30 years of experience in FE and skills, to help drive Harrow College forward. All this is underpinned by a strong track record of driving quality improvement and learner success.
A highly successful leader
Keith Smith, HRUC CEO, said “Jo is a highly successful leader with a brilliant understanding of HRUC, further education and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for all learners. Her collaborative approach, strategic insight and passion for inclusive education make her ideally placed to lead Harrow College into its exciting next phase.”
Dylan McTaggart, HRUC Group Executive Principal added, “I’m excited for Jo to start – joining us to ensure the College continues to deliver exemplary outcomes for one of London’s great communities.”
HRUC’s Interim Chair of the Board of Governors, Sue Kingman, said, “The Board is delighted with this outstanding appointment. We look forward to working with Jo to further develop our learners’ experience at Harrow College. Her knowledge of the College and the wider sector will be invaluable as we continue to build on our successes."
Continuing to shape Harrow College
Jo Swindells said: "I am delighted to be joining HRUC as the Principal of Harrow College. Having worked in further education for over 30 years, I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead such a vibrant, ambitious, and diverse community. Over the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting staff, students, and partners as we continue shaping a college that delivers exceptional teaching and inclusive opportunities to all our learners and apprentices. I am truly excited for what we will achieve together."